Why is Ireland cheering for a bad deal on trade?

The government is full square behind TTIP regardless of the consequences for the Irish economy

If anyone was under any illusions that a Fine Gael government or their MEPs intended to stand up for Ireland’s interests in the ongoing EU-US trade talks, then Brian Hayes’ article last week should make them reconsider.

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is the centre piece of an extensive EU trade policy agenda. Brian Hayes says TTIP “is good for Ireland”. This is despite the fact that it hasn’t even been ...